Hamilton is currently in discussion with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) to bring a casino to the city’s downtown, with strong arguments on the both sides of the debate.
Councillor Sam Merulla does not support the idea of a casino downtown, citing the potential risks it would pose to area.
“A downtown casino is really in the interest of the OLG and not necessarily in the best interest of the community, my preference would be to have a Flamborough location, not a downtown location,” said Merulla. “Its present location is something that…

My parents say I’m a Grinch. I just can’t help it.
I hate Christmas music. Every time I hear “Away in a Manger” it makes me want to smash my head through the inexplicably Caucasian visage of baby Jesus in the stained glass windows of the nearest church.
Unfortunately Christmas music is unavoidable at this time of year. What is a person with discerning musical taste to do? Find some tolerable Christmas music, that’s what!
Admittedly it was a hard task, but this year I found two new Christmas albums that don’t drive me…

 
The holiday season is right around the corner, but if you listen to some, the end of the world is going to happen first. The Mayan apocalypse is scheduled to put an end to life as we know it only 4 days before Christmas. I’m not here to encourage negative thoughts, but let’s run with it! This seems like a good theme for a party! And what is a party without music?
 
People have been worried about the end of the world since the dawn of time, and, at least in the…

The holiday season is starting a bit early for some members of the Hamilton Red Wings.
This year’s team features a number of Jewish players, meaning along with their Christmas celebrations, the Wings will be celebrating Hanukkah as well.
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is observed this year from December 8 to 16.
Forward Oliver Hyman is one of the Jewish players, and says it brings a special dynamic to the team.
“It’s a great experience,” he said. “I’ve never played with so many Jewish guys before. It give you the best of…

As a reporter for the St. Catharines Standard, Don Fraser doesn’t do much undercover work, focusing more on the businesses and education of the Niagara region. That is until one night at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines, he joined the brotherhood of mall Santas, giving him a unique perspective on the holiday season.
Ignite News: Why did you become a mall Santa?
Don Fraser: We’re always scraping for Christmas features to fill the paper and it just occurred to my editor and I that it would be kind of cool to see what…

Markis Cameron is a young and talented, singer/songwriter and producer. He one of Hamilton’s rising underground talents.
He started singing when he was only 3-years-old, and Markis always knew music would be the central part of his life. He grew up loving the incredible skills of Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Usher and many others.
Markis’ journey in the industry hasn’t been smooth and he said there were many struggles as he tried to make a name for himself.
“The music industry is a real cut-throat industry to break into,” he said. “You need…

Getting an internship at a company where you hope to one day work can be very intimidating. It can be hard for students but an internship means you have your foot in the door. Linda Rourke, host and producer of Hamilton Life, a show featured on Cable 14, has interns and co-op students all the time and says students often need a push to get over the hump of being nervous.
“You have to get over it, as tough as that can be. You have nothing to lose, so make the calls. Be professional,…

Sitting in an old chair in the village hardware store, a Victorian-era Santa Claus asks a small boy what he wants for Christmas. Shifting his weight nervously, the boy shyly mumbles that he would like a gaming system, and Santa Claus lets out a chuckle.
Outside, a horse-drawn wagon pulls a group of people in a circle around the village. Excited spectators take photographs with their cameras and cell phones, documenting their trip into the past.
At Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ontario, this juxtaposition between history and modern life allows people to learn…

Christmas is a time for cheer and tradition. At my house we have a tradition practiced by many across the world, and that is the Christmas movie. Whether or not you celebrate the holiday chances are you’ve come across one at some point in your life. Yet what is it that defines a Christmas movie?
One of the most famous Christmas films is It’s A Wonderful Life, and yet aside from the ending most of the film isn’t necessarily about Christmas. The bulk of the film is set aside to teaching the significance of…

Q: How long have you been a student / athlete?
A: “Ever since middle school when I starting playing [basketball] for the middle team and the rep teams.”
 
Q: What do you study here at Mohawk?
A: “I am in police foundations. This is my last year in the program but am probably going to take something else after.”
 
Q: Are their any particular challenges you have met as a student and an athlete?
A: “Most of it is just having games on the same day as something is due or like…